If pilots are going to be expected to take over when things get tough they should be far more involved in the routine flight of the plane so they have this feel.
I had thougth about that as well. If the automation in cruise effectively makes flying the a/c like watching paint dry, it would be human nature to become a little complacent and perhaps even produce a tendency to fall asleep. No blame in that either, as the sort of people who are of the required personality to do the job are easily bored with routine.
Anyway, enough. With the air crackling and pregnant in anticipation of the next report, let's not forget what the whole exercise is about
: Finding the truth, whatever colour it may turn out to be...
Regards,
Chris